The American Boer Goat Association is excited to officially launch the Native on Appearance (NOA)  program, effective April 1, 2025. This new program is designed to provide a registration pathway for does that visually conform to the Boer breed appearance but lack formal pedigree documentation. The NOA program honors the characteristics of the Boer goat while fostering inclusivity within our growing community.  What is “Native on Appearance”?  Under Rule 207B, does that are otherwise ineligible for registration or pedigree record—but appear to be Boer goats—can now be evaluated for a special NOA designation. Once approved, these does will receive a 12.5% breed composition registration and a unique ABGA listing number that begins with “NOA.” Ineligible for Percentage Show - The minimum percentage to show a doe at an ABGA sanctioned event is 25%. Native on Appearance does will not meet this requirement and therefore be ineligible to show as a Percentage Doe. However, they can be exhibited in the wether dam division. It’s important to note: this program is limited to does/females only . Bucks and wethers are not eligible for NOA registration. Application Requirements  The NOA application process is simple, much like a normal registration:  Application Fee : $20 per animal (non-refundable)  Documentation : Herd prefix, herd name, and identifiers such as tattoos, scrapie tags/federal ID, or microchips  Pictures : Up to two images allowed, with at least one clear profile picture showing the full body, legs, head, ears, and horns  Photos must feature only one animal and be of high quality. Blurry, distant, or group photos will not be accepted.  Acceptable Profile Pictures Unacceptable Profile Pictures What Are We Looking For?  While the traditional Boer goat is white-bodied with a red head, color variations are welcome. The approval committee will focus on visual traits consistent with Boer goats—without penalizing for folded ears, pigmentation issues, incorrect bites, or nonstandard teat structures. However, any significant signs of influence from breeds like Pygmy, Myotonic, Kiko, Spanish, Savannah, or Dairy goats will result in disqualification from the NOA program.  Examples of Approved NOA Does Examples of Unapproved NOA Does How the Approval Process Works  Submit the completed application and required pictures online, via email, or by mail.  A registration clerk will review each application.  During the program’s first month, all decisions will be further reviewed by the Executive Director.  After this probationary period, only denied applications will escalate for final review.  Why “Native on Appearance” Matters  This program offers breeders an accessible entry point to formal recognition while ensuring the integrity of the Boer breed remains strong. By welcoming does that meet visual standards, we’re opening the door to more participation, more diversity, and ultimately, a stronger community of breeders.  Ready to Register? Follow the step-by-step instructions to register your NOA animals on iCompete. Download a printable version of these instructions ↓

🚨 Applications Now Open! 🚨 Think you’ve got what it takes to become a certified ABGA judge? Here’s your chance! The Judges Certification Program is now accepting applications for the upcoming course. This is your opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and get certified. ⌛️ Application Deadline: August 15 ✅ Only 20 applicants will be accepted! 📍 Location: Stillwater, OK 🗓️ Dates: October 24-26, 2025 🏆 Trainer Judges Team: Josh Taylor, Bailey Bergherm, Randall White, Terry Burks, Justin Burns (alternate). 📲 Learn more & apply here:

While in North Dakota for the Dakota Boer Bash sanctioned show, ABGA Judges Terry Taylor and Tom and Jackie Redden , along with Executive Director Caleb Boardman , traveled to Hettinger, ND to do a visual appraisal of the bucks consigned to the Dakota Meat Goat Performance Test . Bucks were scored across breed standard criteria, and this data will be analyzed with final performance testing results, including average daily gain and carcass ultrasound data, to determine if any correlations exist between visual appraisal and performance testing. Additionally, this gives producers added information to make selection decisions on over the bucks they have consigned. The final data collection is set to take place on September 4 th , and more information about the test will be released after final data analysis.

Dear Fellow ABGA Members, It is the duty of the American Boer Goat Association and the Board of Directors to not only promote the Boer breed and the association, but to protect the integrity of them as well. This includes the integrity of our sanctioned shows. The issue of aging animals for show is not new, nor is it an issue limited only to the ABGA. Livestock associations across all species are facing these same issues. Much like our fellow stockmen across the show stock industry, we are looking into ways to combat the aging of animals. As the first step in this process, the Board of Directors is taking a clear stance of support for our certified judges. The ABGA Board of Directors gives our full support to any judge to place an animal accordingly if, they feel in their best judgement, that the animal’s age has been misrepresented. This support also extends to any animal, if they feel in their best judgement, to be excessively obese; any extreme fault occurrence; or disqualification. As always, we ask that our judges handle these situations professionally. It is up to all of us to be stewards of our association. Integrity is the foundation that will propel the Boer breed and the ABGA into the future. Sincerely, The American Boer Goat Association Board of Directors

An ABGA Board of Directors Meeting will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at 7:00 PM CST.  Please note:  As of July 11, 2025, the Board has voted to discontinue live-streaming of board meetings. Instead, all meetings will be recorded, and unedited video recordings will be made available on the ABGA website within one week following each meeting.  📌  New Schedule: Regular Board meetings will now take place on the second Thursday of each month , replacing the previous schedule of the first Tuesday.  📄 View the meeting agenda here:

The wait is over! The Roll of Honor (ROH) Show Series  kicks off this September at the legendary Eastern States Exposition (The Big E)  in West Springfield, Massachusetts! 📅 September 23–25, 2025 🐐 Judges:  Chris Shaffett (ABGA) & Terry Burks (JABGA)⌛ Entry Deadline:  August 15, 2025 🚫 Reminder:  The Big E is a No Fit Show  — please review all show rules before entering. As the first stop  of the ROH Show Series, The Big E sets the stage for an incredible season of competition. Exhibitors will have the opportunity to earn points toward year-end honors like Exhibitor of the Year, Breeder of the Year, and more. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the kickoff event. Submit your entries by the deadline and join us at The Big E for an unforgettable start to the series! Entry is now closed.

🚨 Want to make a difference in the American Boer Goat Association? Let us know if you are interested in an ABGA Committee! 🚨 Our committees play a vital role in shaping the future of the American Boer Goat Association. Whether you're passionate about education, finance, junior programs, or breed improvement, there's a place for you to get involved. ✅ View committee roles, responsibilities, descriptions, and current chairs ✅ Find the right fit for your skills and interests ✅ Help move our industry forward 🔗 Apply for a committee! If selected, the office staff will reach out to you directly with follow-up instructions. 👉🏻 https://www.abga.org/committees

To Our Valued Members of the American Boer Goat Association, On behalf of the ABGA Board of Directors and staff, we want to extend our sincere gratitude for your continued dedication and passion for our Association, and more importantly the Boer goat breed. As your President and Executive Director, we are honored to serve an organization built by its great members. As we look ahead to the coming year, we want to take a moment to reaffirm our commitment to transparency, progress, and member involvement. These are not just meant to be empty words, but a pledge to you as members that will guide our leadership and the foundation of the work we are doing each day on your behalf. Transparency We believe a strong, united organization begins with trust. We also acknowledge that trust between members, the staff and the board has been strained over a prolonged period, and that trust is built on actions and not words. We are committed to open communication, sharing the “why” behind board decisions, and providing regular updates about the direction of the association. You deserve to know what’s happening and how it affects your operation, your animals, and the future of the breed. You will see new communication methods regarding board decisions coming soon, as well as new guidelines being implemented to provide members with information about upcoming business on the agenda before the meeting happens. This will provide members with the opportunity to share their thoughts with their directors ahead of meetings. We also want to directly address the board’s recent decision not to livestream the face-to-face meeting or future board meetings. We understand that, for some, this may feel like a step backward in transparency. Please know this decision was not made lightly. After reviewing past experiences, the board believes that not livestreaming the meetings will create a more productive and focused environment for discussion, planning, and decision-making during the meetings. That said, this decision does not signal a retreat from transparency. We are committed to working closely as a board and staff team to ensure members receive timely, clear, and comprehensive updates from the meeting. We’re also actively working to minimize past technical issues and improve communication overall—so that what is shared is both accessible and reliable. Progress From improving registry services through enhanced customer service in the office, to continuing to improve the functionality and usability of iCompete and modernizing technology, to increasing marketing reach and strengthening youth programs, our focus is on continuous improvement. We are working to ensure that ABGA not only meets the needs of today's breeders but is well positioned for the future of the industry. Innovation and growth are essential to keeping our breed and association thriving in an evolving market.   Positive Member Engagement Our members are the heart of this association, and your voices help shape our path forward. We acknowledge the growing engagement we see across social media and other platforms. These spaces offer powerful tools for sharing knowledge, celebrating wins, and fostering community. However, as we continue to promote open and productive dialogue, we encourage everyone to contribute in a way that fosters respect, support, and shared purpose. Let’s use these platforms to educate, uplift, and build—focusing on solutions, not divisions. Constructive conversations build strong foundations; negativity only distracts from the progress we all want to see. We challenge you as a member to be part of the positive change for this Association. This is not asking you to agree with every decision, nor to try and muffle your voice. Rather it’s a call to do so in a professional, positive manner that encourages progress and solutions. This will always be more productive than just complaining and spreading negativity. As Teddy Roosevelt once said, “Complaining about a problem without posing a solution is called whining.”    Additionally, we remind you of the below sections in our Code of Ethics that each member agrees to: Treats all members with respect, courtesy, consideration, and compassion. Avoids insults, name calling, or use offensive language that is likely to hurt, offend, or set a bad example for the American Boer Goat Association. To handle our communications, (including those through social media), operations or business transactions in a manner that promotes a positive image for the American Boer Goat Association. Member Support and Involvement We invite you to take part – join a committee, attend ABGA events, get involved at your state or local level, mentor new breeders, or simply reach out with your thoughts. Your input helps us make more informed decisions and keeps the ABGA moving in a direction that reflects the values and needs of our members. This association was built by passionate individuals with a shared vision—and together, we can ensure its continued success. Let’s work hand in hand to advance the Boer goat breed we all love so much and strengthen the legacy of the ABGA. Thank you for your trust, your involvement, and your continued commitment to excellence. We’re excited for what lies ahead and are proud to serve you. With gratitude, Tyler Sparks, President Caleb Boardman, Executive Director

An ABGA Board of Directors Special Meeting  will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025, at 7:00 PM CST.  Please note:  As of July 11, 2025, the Board has voted to discontinue live-streaming of board meetings. Instead, all meetings will be recorded, and unedited video recordings will be made available on the ABGA website within one week following each meeting.  📌  New Schedule: Regular Board meetings will now take place on the second Thursday of each month, replacing the previous schedule of the first Tuesday.  📄 View the meeting agenda here:

We’re excited to invite YOU to the 2025 ABGA Board of Directors Summer Face-to-Face Meeting! 🗓️ Dates: July 11–13, 2025 ⏰ Time: 8:00 AM Central Time 📍Location: 4440 W. John Carpenter Fwy. Irving, Texas 75063 🏨 Venue: Sheraton DFW Airport | Lakewood Room | M Floor This is a great opportunity to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the future of the American Boer Goat Association. Come meet the Board, share your voice, and be part of the conversation. All members are welcome – your presence matters! On Friday, July 11, 2025, the ABGA Board of Directors voted to discontinue live-streaming board meetings. Instead, all meetings, including this face-to-face meeting, will be recorded, and the unedited recording will be shared within one week on the ABGA website for members to view. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Agenda

Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the devastating flooding in the Texas Hill Country. We stand in solidarity with those facing loss and hardship during this difficult time. We are grateful to report that we are all safe here in San Angelo, and we remain committed to supporting our neighbors as they recover and rebuild. If you’re looking to help, here are some trusted organizations accepting donations: Central Texas Community Foundation: A list of vetted groups aiding flood survivors: https://www.cftexas.org/about-cft/blog-and-newsroom/support-for-central-texas/ San Angelo Area Foundation: Supporting local relief efforts in our community: https://www.saafound.org/

An open Board meeting will take place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 7:00 PM CST. All ABGA members are welcome to attend. Click the button to attend the meeting on Microsoft Teams: Agenda You can also find board meeting dates and meeting links on our Events Calendar on our homepage .